TAUNTON — Victims of domestic violence in Greater Taunton may now find a stronger local support network.

The SAFEPLAN Program, administered by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance, recently expanded services to the Bristol Probate and Family Court located in Taunton.

“SAFEPLAN will provide much-needed assistance to victims and families of domestic violence,” said Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye Jr. “This program’s expansion is certainly welcome news that will assist victims, of domestic violence, in their most trying times.”

The goal of the expansion is to “increase domestic violence services and supports available to victims in the area,” according to a MOVA press release.

“Recent high-profile domestic violence cases have prompted state officials to toughen domestic violence laws and further invest in domestic violence services across the state,” said Christopher Klaskin, a MOVA legislative affairs coordinator.

Taunton High School graduate Jennifer Martel died last year in Waltham, allegedly at the hands of a longtime domestic abuser. The man charged with her murder, Jared Remy, had just been released by authorities after an alleged domestic abuse incident.

“The tragic case of Jennifer Martel shows how difficult it can be for women to escape abusive relationships,” said state Rep. Shaunna O’Connell, R-Taunton. “You may not think you are affected by domestic violence because you have never experienced it, but it has deep and widespread impacts on our communities. The effects on our children can be devastating.”

Last October, O’Connell and Kim Thomas, executive director of New Hope Inc.,, hosted a community forum on domestic and sexual violence. The purpose of the forum was to bring together survivors, advocates, law enforcement and the community to increase awareness, education and involvement and to demonstrate that it takes this kind of partnership to end violence and abuse. Attendees were vocal in expressing their concerns around the weak laws and lack of protection for victims.

“Victims of domestic and sexual assault need services in their communities to help them escape and break the cycle of violence. Our priority should be to fund programs that accomplish that goal,” O’Connell said.

Last year, the state legislature awarded MOVA an additional $150,000 to expand the program, making SAFEPLAN services available in 44 district and probate and family courts in nine Bay Sate counties. SAFEPLAN advocates assist victims of domestic and sexual violence coming to court to obtain protective orders.

“In addition to in-court civil legal advocacy, SAFEPLAN Advocates provide crisis intervention, assess a client’s risks, create personalized safety plans, and refer clients to other programs and resources based on individual needs,” Klaskin said. “SAFEPLAN advocates are certified by MOVA and are employed by community-based service providers across the state.”

Page 2 of 2 - New Hope Inc., of Attleboro, employs advocates serving the Taunton Division of Bristol Probate and Family Court and seven other courts in Bristol and Worcester counties.

“The SAFEPLAN Program is a vital part of the court system. Domestic and sexual violence survivors often come to court alone, intimidated and confused by this complex system and the trauma they have experienced in their personal lives,” Thomas said. “SAFEPLAN advocates educate survivors about the complicated legal process and documentation needed to present their best case, often accompanying them as they stand before the judge. We are fortunate to have such dedicated staff at New Hope and the cooperation of court staff which makes our program that much more effective.”

The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office praised the expansion plans.

“We believe this is a good thing for victims of domestic violence,” said Gregg Miliote, spokesman for District Attorney Sam Sutter. “Having a specialized advocate in the probate court to help victims understand the process, the paperwork required and where their focus should be is a big plus for victims.”

State Sen. Marc R. Pacheco, D-Taunton, also welcomed the news.

“I am pleased MOVA will be able to expand services for all those in Bristol County who are impacted by the tragedy of domestic violence,” Pacheco said. “The state legislature recognized our responsibility to provide a system of support for all victims of domestic violence, and I am happy to see, through MOVA and the SAFEPLAN program, that Bristol County’s safety network will receive added support to help every domestic violence survivor cope with and move forward from these traumatic crimes.”

“Domestic violence is not a new issue, but it is a complex one which requires the many systems that assist victims to work together to help them escape abuse and hold their offender accountable,” said Liam Lowney, MOVA’s executive director. “SAFEPLAN advocates work directly with local court personnel, district attorney’s offices, police, and a network of other providers making it a one-stop shop for victims seeking assistance. We appreciate the opportunity to expand this program and will continue to work toward making it available in every county across the state.”